If there is so such thing as a panty-dropper, this is it. After the release of Azekel’s glitchy, grabbing single “New Romance” earlier this year, we knew he was sexy. But “Holy Matrimony”… come on.
The East Londoner released the double-header of “New Romance” and “Holy Matrimony” in July via Thunderlightning Records as a follow-up to last year’s Circa EP. As a card-holding member of the new-age R&B club, he’s been compared to D’Angelo, Miguel, and The Weeknd. But don’t assume they’re one in the same—Azekel has a sound that pays homage to those who have come before him and hints toward forging a new, very alluring path.
Beyond the track’s visceral qualities, “Holy Matrimony” is technically sound and well thought out. Azekel’s vocals are the central piece, as they should be—he seamlessly moves between his trademark fluttering falsetto and diving bass with the precise skill of a tightrope walker. Pulsing bass lines meander through the track, punctuated by the lapping repeat of “love, love, love,” keeping it both airy and sensual.